SCOLTalk
The newsletter of the
Southern Conference on Language Teaching
Volume 48

July 2017

Greetings from the SCOLT President

Greetings SCOLT Colleagues,
During the summer, I hope that you are taking time to
reflect on the effect your efforts have had upon the lives you
have touched this year. Your influence does not stop with
them; it ripples on and on. Perhaps an authentic activity or
even a kind word from you inspired a student to continue
their world language voyage; perhaps that last bulletin
board your students created encouraged another to sign up
for your class.
The point is that there are many things that ripple through
students’ lives that inspire them to do more with language
and when we grow as professionals, we encounter more and
more ways to create those ripples. It is my belief that this
professional ripple effect is also the mission of SCOLT.
When the SCOLT board created the 2017 conference theme
“Languages: Your Global Fast Pass”, we were not only thinking about the great location in Orlando that our friends at
FFLA helped to manage; we were not just thinking about
the great technology workshops and sessions that our colleagues at SEALLT were going to provide; we were thinking
about how the quality sessions of the conference were going
to inspire teachers to encourage more students to continue
the exciting journey that is world languages and cultures.
As contributors to SCOLT’s professional ripple effect, I
would like to thank the various exhibitors and presenters
without whom SCOLT would not be possible. In addition, I
would like to thank the SCOLT Board under the leadership
of Past President Linda Markley and Executive Director
David Jahner for their hard work on creating such a great
conference.
I also would like to welcome our two new Board Members
Delandris Jones (SC) and Pam Benton (FL) to the Board.
They will be filling the shoes of outgoing Board Members
Dr. Carol Anne Costabile-Hemings (TX) and Yohanna Jiménez (AL). Thank you all for your past and future contributions to the profession.
Now, as you look to the rest of your summer and next year,
SCOLT hopes you will find new and rewarding ways to
increase your ripple effect through travel, summer workshops, and perhaps binge even watching that Netflix series
in your language. Whatever you preferred method for of
summer growth is, I hope that you share your learning with

the SCOLT community by keeping all of us abreast through
social media and through presentations at your local conferences or at SCOLT “Proficiency: ATL (All The Levels)”
next March 15th-17th.
Enjoy your summer and see you in Atlanta,
Thomas Soth
SCOLT President 2017-2018

Contact your SCOLT Board of Directors
by clicking on this link:
http://scolt.org/index.php/about/scolt-executive-board

SCOLT Welcomes New Board Members
Delandris Jones is the Coordinator of World Languages and Partial Immersion for Rock Hill School
District 3. He serves on the Board as Past-President of
SCFLTA and is an active member of SCAATF. Jones
holds a Bachelor’s of Art degree in French from Wofford College and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Northcentral University.
Pam Benton is the PreK-12 World Languages Specialist
for Pinellas County Schools in Largo, Florida. She is
a past president of both the Florida Foreign Language
Association and the Florida Chapter of the American
Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.
She holds a BA in Spanish & Education from William
Jewell College, as well as an MEd in Curriculum &
Instruction: Interdisciplinary Studies and an EdS in
Educational Leadership from National-Louis University.

Click on the icon to read and download
this publication by the American Academy
of Arts & Sciences.

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2017 SCOLT Scholarship Winners

Recipients (L to R): Erin Carlson, Bailey Dumaine, William Morgan, Megan Buck and Natalie Runyon
SCOLT is proud to announce the 2017 scholarship winners. These teachers will spend time this summer in various countries honing their communication skills and experiencing the cultural products, practices and perspectives first hand! They will share lesson plans and supporting videos of these amazing learning experiences on
the SCOLT website at www.scolt.org/scholarships. SCOLT would like to deeply thank the donors of the scholarships. These life-changing opportunities would not be possible without the generous support of our donors. It
is their commitment to World Languages that allows our teachers to be students again and, in turn, give back to
their students in addition to sharing with colleagues for a better world of language experiences all around!

Interested in Traveling Abroad
during the Summer of 2018?
Apply for a SCOLT Scholarship Today!
We are grateful to our generous scholarship donors:

Academia Latinoamericana
Cemanahuac Educational Community
Centro MundoLengua
Estudio Sampere
Goethe-Institut
Click on the hyperlinks to apply as well as to
learn more about each of our donors. Application deadline is January 15, 2018.

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Looking for some new ideas as you prepare for the
new school year? Browse the growing library of presentations and lesson plans by former SCOLT scholarship recipients: http://scolt.org/index.php/scholarships/presentations-resources

2017 SCOLT Award Winners
2017 SCOLT TOY
During the conference in Orlando, Dr. Brenna Byrd,
an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky,
was awarded the 2017 SCOLT Teacher of the Year
Award. Each state in the thirteen-state SCOLT region
may send one state language Teacher of the Year to the
regional conference.
Brenna was selected on the basis of her innovation
in instruction, her strong contributions to language
learning, her letters of recommendation, and an interview. She will now advance to the national competition
sponsored by the American Council on the Teaching
of Foreign Language (ACTFL). During the ACTFL
convention in Nashville this November, she and four
other regional teachers will vie for the title of ACTFL
National Language Teacher of the Year. The teacher
selected in November will serve as the national spokesperson for language learning in 2018.
Since 2010, Dr. Byrd has helped to design and oversee
the beginning and intermediate German program as
an instructor in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literature and Cultures at the University of Kentucky. She has involved her graduate teaching
instructors in the conceptualization and redesign of
a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking where
students connect with artifacts from the culture. She
says, “We engage our students with the why as much as
the what.” For her outstanding contributions in teaching, both the Kentucky World Language Association
(KWLA) and the Kentucky chapter of the American
Association of Teachers of German (AATG) named
her Outstanding Teacher in 2016.
In the words of her recommenders, “Dr. Byrd has been
instrumental in reenvisioning and redesigning the
traditional Beginning German sequence in response to
the innovations in the fields of world language instruction, advancements in instructional technology, and
changing student expectations in the 21st century.”
Another said that she “believes in the power of giving
students more choices to fit their own learning styles
and personalize their education.” SCOLT congratulates
Brenna on this award and thanks her for her efforts to
advance world language learning.
2017 Educator of Excellence
Dr. Bobby Hobgood, Director of the Language Resource Center at the University of North Carolina
Charlotte was awarded the 2017 SCOLT Educator of

Excellence. The Educator of Excellence Award recognizes educators at the community college, college,
and university level who have demonstrated excellence
in language teaching, active participation in SCOLT,
and leadership and advocacy at the local, state, and/or
regional or national level.
Hobgood, Director of the Language Resource Center
at UNC Charlotte teaches methodology courses for
teachers of modern languages as well as teachers of
English as a second language. He is an online course
designer and instructor of nationally STARTALKfunded online courses for Mandarin, Arabic, and
Persian teachers to prepare them to teach in online and
hybrid formats using synchronous and asynchronous
platforms.
Dr. Hobgood has been active in professional organizations in North Carolina for over 20 years. A member
of the Foreign Language Association of North Carolina
(FLANC) for the last 23 years, the Association recently
awarded him the Honorary Life Member Award. He
has also served as a Consultant to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) to
provide professional development support for schools
and districts around the country.
One of his recommenders said of Hobgood, that he
“not only has experience teaching French for years in
the public-school system, but he also has training and
experience in teaching the teachers... [He] understands
the strategic use of technology in language teaching
and has been able to motivate and train our faculty to
take advantage of a multitude of active learning strategies and participatory methods that allow students to
succeed in their foreign language studies whether in
face-to-face instruction or online.” SCOLT congratulates Bobby on this award and thank him for his commitment to language learning.
2017 Leadership Award
Dr. Mark Linsky, the World Languages Specialist
for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, was
awarded the 2017 SCOLT Leadership Award. The
SCOLT Leadership Award is given to a K-12 educator
who has demonstrated excellence in language teaching through service to the school, community, active
participation in SCOLT, and leadership and advocacy
at the local, state, and/or regional or national level.
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Among his accomplishments at SCCPSS, Linsky has
helped to develop and facilitate the creation of digital
Student Learning Objectives in seven languages for 33
courses. Linsky organized the district’s first unConference. He has coordinated school visits for students
from Austria. Dr. Linsky assisted in writing and
earning Fulbright travel grants to Ghana for teachers
and local professors. He has also coordinated the first
SAYA Chinese student exchange visit, added Chinese
programs to SCCPSS, and worked along with the SSU
Confucius Institute to coordinate a teacher exchange
with Savannah and schools in China. As a state-level
committee member, Dr. Linsky assisted with the creation and assessment of International Skills diploma
seal in the state of Georgia. For elementary, middle,
and high school students in the southern area of the
state, Dr. Linsky also coordinates the annual Spoken
Language Competition.
One of his recommenders stated, “Dr. Linsky’s understanding and commitment to both the academic and
affective domains … is clearly evident in his work with
students and teachers [as is] his full dedication and
enthusiasm into everything that he’s involved with.”
SCOLT congratulates Dr. Linsky on this award and
thanks him for that dedication and enthusiasm that he
brings to world language learning.

2017 SCOLT Teacher of the Year, Brenna Byrd
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2017 Bostick Award
Each year at the conference, SCOLT awards teacher applicants in their first five years of teaching who demonstrate dedication to a long-term teaching commitment
but have not yet attended a SCOLT conference. The
award is a $150 honorarium in the name of the SCOLT
founder Dr. Herman F. Bostick. This year SCOLT
recognized Hannah Joseph from Spain Park High
School in Hoover, AL. Hannah was both a participant
and presenter in Orlando. We congratulate Hannah on
her award and look forward to her contributions to the
profession.
SCOLT awards are intended to elevate the status and
the public profile of the language profession at the
state, regional, and national levels by creating opportunities to recognize accomplished members of our
profession and also help new teachers gain access to
quality professional development opportunities. These
awards include the SCOLT Teacher of the Year, the
SCOLT Educator of Excellence, the SCOLT Founders
Award, the SCOLT Leadership Award, and the Bostick Award for new teachers. If you know of a quality
world languages educator that you would like to nominate, please do so at scolt.org. Nominations are due by
January 15th, 2018. Teachers interested in the Bostick
Award have until March 1st, 2018 to apply.

2017 Educator of Excellence, Bobby Hobgood

2017 Leadership Award, Mark Linsky

2017 Founders Award, Ken Stewart

SCOLT Board Recognizes Ken Stewart

2017 Bostick Award, Hannah Rae Joseph

I am extremely honored to receive the 2017 Founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Award because it comes from my friends, colleagues
and SCOLT family. I am humbled to have worked with
so many dedicated and talented language professionals; thank you for your support and for sharing your
expertise over the years. I am a better teacher because
of you. When I reflect on all of my professional experiences in language education, I fondly recall serving
on the SCOLT Board of Directors as Awards Chair.
Being named SCOLT Teacher of the Year in 2005 and
representing you at ACTFL as the National Language
Teacher of the Year was, without a doubt, the pinnacle
of my career. Again, I owe you thanks and gratitude.
My hope for the future of SCOLT and the profession is
that all language educators in our region will join our
family and benefit from the amazing work that is being
done by teachers for teachers. A famous Italian film director and screenwriter said: "A different language is a
different vision of life." Thank you, SCOLT, for giving
me that vision and thank you for this honor.
- Ken Stewart
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Ken Stewart from Chapel Hill HS in North Carolina
accepts the 2017 Founders Award during the Opening
General Session.

FACES OF SCOLT
2017 Conference in Orlando, FL

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Silent Auction Success 2017
Funds Available for Your School or District!
Our annual silent auction at the conference netted
another $1500.00 to add to the pot available for sending our wonderful State Teachers of the Year to schools
and school districts who may not otherwise have
World Language in-service opportunities.
Does your school or district want to apply for a grant?
Click here for more information.
And be sure to support out 2018 SCOLT Silent Auction in Atlanta!
Editor’s note: The SCOLT Board of Directors would
like to take this opportunity to thank Caroline Switzer Kelly, SCOLT’s Representative to ACTFL, for her
vision and tireless efforts to make the Silent Auction a
success. What started out as a small scale event during
the 2014 conference in Memphis has turned into an
online powerhouse at each year’s conference. We hope
that districts and schools around the region will take
advantage of the opportunity to get the Teachers of the
Year in our region out to provide professional development.

SOU T HERN CONFERENCE
ON L ANGUAGE T E ACHING

ATL

SCOLT
2018

• M AR 15-17
• ATL AN TA
RENAI SSANCE CONCOUR SE
ATL AN TA AIRPORT

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2017 Sponsors and Patrons Reception at Orange County Regional History Center
Thank you, EF, for your sponsorship of this event!
Click here to become a SCOLT Sponsor/Patron today.

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2017 SCOLT Leadership Luncheon
Thank you, Sans, for your sponsorship of this event!
Bringing together leaders from across the SCOLT region.

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Educational Tours

Global
citizenship
begins at
SCOLT
For over 50 years EF has been working toward
one global mission: Opening the World Through
Education. Together with educators worldwide,
we provide 21st century learning experiences
that promote critical thinking, problem solving,
collaboration and global competence. Teaching
these skills is essential—teaching them in London,
Paris or Beijing is transformative.
Every tour comes with weShare, our personalized
learning experience that engages students before,
during, and after tour. And it’s available for free.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMITS
These extraordinary events combine
educational tours and a two-day
leadership conference, tackling significant
global issues in places where they come
to life. Students learn from experts such
as Sir Ken Robinson and Jane Goodall,
and work together to design solutions to a
pressing global issue.

SERVICE LEARNING TOURS
Work side-by-side with locals on
community-driven projects in Africa,
Asia or the Americas. EF partners with
established non-profits and NGOs to
make sure your contributions are both
meaningful and sustainable.

EDUCATIONAL TOURS
Take students out of their comfort
zones and into an experience that makes
them more open-minded and confident.
Your Tour Director will be with you every
step of the way and expert local guides
will explain the significance of the world’s
most amazing locations.

To learn a new language, it helps to fall in
love with where it’s from. Our Language
Immersion Tours combine authentic
cultural experiences with lessons taught
at EF International Language Schools
or out on the road. Each day’s theme
connects the day’s lessons to hands-on
activities and conversations with locals.

INTERCULTURALITY
from the start
Explore EntreCulturas,
a Spanish series for middle
& high school learners

waysidepublishing.com

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LANGUAGE
LAB

THE

IS

OPEN

When it comes to teaching languages,
you're best left to your own devices.
The SANSSpace™ LIVE instructional technology platform enables you to do
interactive language lab activities anytime, anywhere—in or out of the classroom,
using a variety of devices including Chromebooks™ and tablets.
• Increase communication – individual & paired speaking activities
• Prep for & administer AP® speaking exams
• Integrate authentic cultural content
• Develop real-world proficiency skills
• Differentiate instruction & track progress
• Maximize real-time and blended learning
No scheduling. No dedicated room. No inconvenience. When left to your own
devices with SANSSpace LIVE, you’re in control of real-world language learning.

Join in harmony with your colleagues and find innovative ways to strike

the right chord with your learners at the most comprehensive professional
development opportunity available to language educators today.

REGISTRATION AND HOUSING open Spring 2017 | EARLY BIRD DEADLINE July 12, 2017

OPENING GENERAL SESSION
This exciting experience is a must,
with a dynamic keynote speaker and the
announcement of the 2018 ACTFL Teacher
of the Year. It’s a sure way to start your
convention off on a high note.

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WORLD LANGUAGES EXPO
The interactive expo showcases 250+
premier products, services, hands-on
exhibits, and various opportunities to
connect with fellow attendees, including
the Social Media Lounge, the Collab Zone,
the Confer-sation Corner, the Career Café,
and more than 60 exhibitor workshops.

800+ EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Enjoy outstanding professional
development focusing on innovative
programs, research-informed practices,
emerging trends in the language
profession, and roundtable discussions that
will help make your instruction sing.

Around the SCOLT Region
AWLA: Alabama’s annual conference will be held on
February 2 - 3, 2018 in Mobile. AWLA’s new website is
www.theawla.org
AFLTA: The Arkansas Foreign Language Teachers Association will hold their annual conference in October
this year. For information, please check: http://www.
aflta.org/

FFLA: The Florida Foreign Language Association
will hold it’s annual conference on October 13-15 at
the Hilton St. Petersburg. Please check https://ffla.
wildapricot.org/ for more information.
FLAG: The Foreign Language Association of Georgia will hold its 2018 conference, in conjunction with
SCOLT on March 15 - 17. Check out FLAG’s website at
www.flageorgia.net
KWLA: The Kentucky World Language Association
(KWLA) will hold its annual conference September
21 – 23 in Louisville, KY. Lucas Gravitt is the current
President of the association. Check http://kwla.org/ for
more information.

SOU T HERN CONFERENCE ON L ANGUAGE T E ACHING

• SCOLT 2018 •

ATL
M AR 15-17 • ATL AN TA
RENAI SSANCE CONCOUR SE ATL AN TA AIRPORT

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LFLTA: The Louisiana Foreign Language Teachers Association’s annual conference will be January 12 - 13,
2018 in Shreveport. Please check http://www.lflta.net/
for more information..
MFLA: The Mississippi Foreign Language Association
holds its annual conference in the fall each year. Please
check http://www.msfla.org/ for more information.
FLANC: The Foreign Language Association of North
Carolina will have its annual conference on October
20 - 21 in Raleigh/Durham. Please check http://www.
flanc.org/home for more information.
SCFLTA: The South Carolina Foreign Language Teachers Association will have its annual meeting on February 3, 2018. SCOLT is looking forward to partnering
with SCFLTA and FLANC for our 2019 conference!
TFLTA: The Tennessee Foreign Language Teachers Association will hold its annual fall conference in
conjunction with ACTFL in Nashville from November
17 - 19, 2017.
TFLA: The Texas Foreign Language Association will
hold its annual conference on October 12 - 14 in Arlington.
FLAVA: The Foreign Language Association of Virginia
will hold its annual conference October 5 - 7 in Williamsburg. Please check https://flavaweb.org/ for more
information.
WVFLTA: The West Virginia Foreign Language
Teachers Association will hold its annual conference
in October. Please check https://wvflta.wordpress.
com/ for more information.

SCOLT LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON INVITATION
All state assosications are invited to participate in
this year’s annual SCOLT Leadership Luncheon on
Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 12:00 - 4:30 PM. We
look forward to welcoming you and many of your
colleagues to Atlanta in 2018. Our 2018 conference
preview will be sent out in late September 2017, but
mark your calendars now for this single event that
brings together language educators in the Southeast!